Generation time
Generation time
Generation time (pronunciation: /ˌdʒɛnəˈreɪʃən taɪm/) in the field of microbiology, refers to the period it takes for a population of cells to double in number. This term is often used in the context of bacteria and other single-celled organisms.
Etymology
The term "generation time" is derived from the English words "generation" and "time". "Generation" comes from the Latin word 'generatio', meaning 'to beget', and "time" comes from the Old English word 'tima', meaning 'limited space of time'.
Definition
Generation time is the period required for cells, bacteria, viruses, or any other organisms to duplicate themselves. It is a key factor in understanding the growth rate of an organism. The generation time can vary greatly among different organisms and under different conditions.
Calculation
The generation time can be calculated using the formula:
- T = t / n
where T is the generation time, t is the duration of growth in the exponential phase, and n is the number of generations during that period.
Factors affecting generation time
Several factors can affect the generation time of an organism, including nutrient availability, temperature, and the presence of other organisms.
Related terms
- Doubling time: The period of time required for a quantity to double in size or value.
- Growth rate: The rate at which the number of individuals in a population increases in a given time period.
- Exponential growth: Growth whose rate becomes ever more rapid in proportion to the growing total number or size.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Generation time
- Wikipedia's article - Generation time
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski